Off-highway recreational vehicle

ABSTRACT

A vehicle configuration wherein the center of mass of the vehicle is approximately superimposed upon the passenger and driver centers of mass when seated within the vehicle. An occupant&#39;s center of mass can be approximated using a standard center of mass position approximation, or a combination of any number of standard center of mass position approximations. The vehicle&#39;s center of mass can be approximately superimposed upon the occupant&#39;s center of mass in at least the longitudinal and vertical directions.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/905,321 entitled OFF-HIGHWAY RECREATIONAL VEHICLE and filed Feb. 26,2018, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/684,863entitled OFF -HIGHWAY RECREATIONAL VEHICLE that was filed Aug. 23, 2017,which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/143,353 entitledOFF-HIGHWAY RECREATIONAL VEHICLE that was filed Apr. 29, 2016 and issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 9,771,112, which is a division of U.S. application Ser.No. 13/775,133 entitled OFF -HIGHWAY RECREATIONAL VEHICLE that was filedFeb. 23, 2013 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,327,587, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/485,696 entitledVEHICLE CONFIGURATION that was filed May 31, 2012 and issued as U.S.Pat. No. 9,180,801, the entirety of each of which is hereby incorporatedby reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a vehicle configuration in which thecenter of gravity of the vehicle is near the center of gravity of thedriver and passenger in at least the longitudinal and verticaldirections to minimize the impact of vehicle movement on the occupants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recreational off-highway vehicles (“ROVs”) are meant to travel overrough terrain, in various conditions and at a variety of speeds. Suchvehicles have substantial under-body clearance to avoid off-roadobstacles. The driver also needs to have a good view of the ground tomaneuver over and around obstacles. However, these aspects of drivingoff -road vehicles may result in a vehicle that seats the driver andpassenger high in the vehicle, and high above the ground. When thevehicle moves over uneven terrain, the vehicle can rock or sway andcause the driver and passengers to also rock and sway to an even largerdegree. Excessive rocking and swaying can be uncomfortable for thedriver and passenger, and can even affect the driver's ability tocontrol the vehicle. There is a need for a vehicle that allows asmoother ride over uneven terrain and aids the driver in maintainingcontrol.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In at least one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to arecreational off-highway vehicle (“ROV”) having a front axle, a rearaxle, two side-by-side seats, an engine, and a transmission. The engineand transmission are positioned within the vehicle such that a weightdistribution of the vehicle is between 35-45% on the front axle andbetween 65-55% on the rear axle. The ROV also includes at least one seatfor a passenger. The front and rear axles, the engine, the transmission,and the seat are positioned relative to one another such that thevehicle's center of mass is at approximately the same longitudinalposition as the driver's and passenger's centers of mass when they areseated in the vehicle, and the vehicle's center of mass is as high ornearly as high vertically as the occupants' center of mass. Herein,reference to “passenger” generally applies to driver and passenger(s)alike.

In other embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a vehiclehaving a center of mass. The vehicle includes a front axle, a rear axle.The weight of the vehicle is distributed between the rear axle and frontaxle at a ratio of approximately 60/40, respectively, or otherdistributions such as 65-55/35-45 or other suitable ratios. The vehiclealso includes a driver seat, and a passenger seat positioned at anapproximate same vertical and longitudinal position as the driver seat.The driver and passenger seats are both positioned such that an occupantin either the driver or passenger seats is positioned with his/hercenter of mass substantially at a same vertical position as thevehicle's center of mass.

The present invention provides a side-by-side recreational off-highwayvehicle having two front wheels and at least two rear wheels. Thevehicle includes a chassis, an engine, a transmission, a drive unit, andbody panels. The chassis includes a front portion, a middle portion, anda rear portion. The front portion is coupled to the front wheels. Themiddle portion is coupled to the rear wheels and surrounds an occupantcompartment having at least two side-by-side seats for a driver and atleast one passenger. The chassis includes frame members of rectangularcross section and frame members of generally circular or oval crosssection.

The engine is secured to the rear portion of the chassis. Thetransmission is secured to the engine. The drive unit is operablycoupled to the driven clutch, and drivingly coupled to the rear wheels.

The body panels are secured to the chassis and cover most of the framemembers of rectangular cross section while leaving exposed many of theframe members of generally circular or oval cross section. A framemember of generally circular cross section extends along right and leftlower edges of the middle portion of the chassis. Frame members ofgenerally circular cross section form a roll cage above at least themiddle portion of the chassis. The vehicle further includes right andleft doors in the middle portion of the chassis. The frame members alongthe right and left lower edges are positioned below the doors. The framemembers of generally circular cross section are also exposed below theroll cage at a forward portion of the middle portion of the chassis.

The vehicle also includes a rear cargo box positioned above the driveunit. The rear cargo box has an opening covered with a movable doorgenerally above the engine to access engine components. A separate bodypanel extends forward of the cargo box and forward of left rear wheel,between the left rear wheel and the driver door. The separate body panelincludes an opening allowing air passage to an air intake conduit and anairbox for providing combustion air to the engine.

The transmission includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT)with a cooling air intake having a conduit also extending from theopening in the body panel.

The body panels include at least one bridging body panel extending fromthe cargo box to between the engine and the seats. A rear separationpanel extends downwardly from the bridging body panel to proximate afloor of the vehicle between the occupant compartment and the engine.The rear separation panel is formed of at least one separate panelsecured to the bridging body panel. It further includes a removableportion adjacent an engine component, such as an oil filter anddipstick.

The drive unit includes a transaxle fastened to the engine, the driveclutch being driven by the engine and the driven clutch driving thetransaxle. The engine and transaxle are mounted to the chassis withvibration isolation members. The airbox, throttle body, and CVT aresecured to the engine and transaxle so as to move with the engine andtransaxle relative to the chassis. The engine and transaxle form anassembly that bridges from the member mounting the engine to the membermounting the transaxle. The engine is forward of the transaxle, with afront driveline extending forward from the transaxle and extending underthe engine.

The middle portion of the chassis has a distance from its underside tothe ground defining a ground clearance, the driver seat and thepassenger seat each having an upwardly facing lower seating surface uponwhich an occupant rests and a seat back for the back of the occupant tolean against; wherein the vertical distance between a lowest portion ofthe lower seating surface and the underside of the middle portion of thechassis is less than the ground clearance of the middle portion of thechassis when not vehicle is not loaded.

The wheelbase of the vehicle is at least 80 inches and preferablyapproximately 83 inches. The driver seat includes a seat index point,the seat index point being within 16 inches of the underside of themiddle portion of the chassis. The seat index point is preferablypositioned longitudinally between a center of the wheelbase and a centerof gravity of the vehicle.

The vehicle further includes a driver door and a passenger door. Thedriver door and the passenger door each have a rear pivot and a frontlatch. The rear pivots also have a downward angle, such that the doorsswing rearwardly and downwardly when opening.

The passenger door includes an interior grab member forward of thepassenger seat back. It is secured to an interior facing side of thepassenger door with the grab member being positioned longitudinally neara forward-most portion of the passenger lower seating surface. A medialpassenger grab member is secured to the chassis on the medial side ofthe passenger seat longitudinally near the forward-most portion of thepassenger lower seating surface. The vehicle includes a transmissionshift lever to the left of the passenger grab bar such that the grab baris situated laterally between the passenger seat and the shift lever.41.

The vehicle includes a floorboard with an integrally molded upwardlyangled footrest forward of the passenger seat. The driver floorboardincludes a heel step between the driver seat and the throttle pedal. Acup holder is also integrally molded with the floorboard.

The rear suspension is coupled between the chassis rearward portion andthe rear wheels and includes right and left suspension arms and rightand left shock absorbers. A rear sway bar is coupled between the rightand left suspension arms. The sway bar extends rearwardly from the armsand mounts to the rearward-most end of the chassis rearward portion. Themounts are rearward of the shock absorbers.

The distance between the driver seat and the passenger seat is greaterthan the distance between the driver seat and the driver door and thedistance between the passenger seat and the passenger door. Preferably,the distance between the seats is at least twice the distance betweenthe passenger door and the passenger seat.

Further with regard to the engine and transmission arrangement, aforward end of the engine is mounted to the chassis and a rearwardportion of the transmission is coupled to the chassis, the engine andtransmission bridging from a forward engine mounting location to arearward transmission mounting location. The engine is mounted to thechassis with at least one vibration isolation member and thetransmission is mounted to the chassis with at least one vibrationisolation member. A first mounting plate is fastened to the engine andto the transmission to secure the engine and transmission together. Asecond mounting plate is fastened directly to the transmission andfastened to the first mounting plate. The CVT has a drive clutch engagedwith the engine and a driven clutch engaged with the transmission. TheCVT is not rigidly mounted directly to the chassis. The engine,transmission, CVT, throttle body, and airbox are vibration isolatedtogether relative to the chassis.

The airbox includes an air outlet and the engine includes an air inlet.The airbox air outlet is substantially in line with the throttle bodyand the engine air inlet. Furthermore, the distance from the airbox airoutlet and the engine air inlet is less than a distance from a front endof the engine to a rear end of the transmission. A forward -extendingdriveshaft extends from a bottom end of the transmission beneath theengine toward the front wheels.

A method for assembling a vehicle is also provided. An engine is securedrigidly to a transmission to form an engine and transmission assembly.The assembly is moved through the mid chassis portion and through afront end of the rear chassis portion to within the rear chassisportion. The engine and transmission assembly are then secured withinthe rear chassis portion. The CVT is secured to the engine andtransmission after securing the engine to the transmission and beforemoving the assembly to within the rear chassis portion.

At the front of the vehicle, right and left headlights are secured to afront end of the chassis forward portion. A radiator is secured within afront end of the chassis forward portion directly between theheadlights. The chassis forward portion also includes front framemembers and right and left bumper bars removably fastened to the frontof the front frame members. The radiator is positioned between the frontframe members and the bumper bars. The right and left headlights arepositioned outwardly of the right and left bumper bars respectively. Awinch is mounted below the radiator.

A fuel tank is secured by the chassis middle portion at least partiallybeneath the passenger seat. The fuel tank extends beneath and behind thelower seating portion, the tank having an height that increases behindthe lower seating portion relative to the portion of the tank directlybeneath the lower seating portion. A fuel pump is secured to the portionof the fuel tank behind the lower seating portion. The chassis includesa frame member beneath the passenger seat and on top of the fuel tank.The fuel tank includes a lower edge having a recess, the recess nestingwith a lower chassis frame member. The fuel tank includes a cornerrecess into which a battery is positioned. The chassis further includesa battery tray adjacent the corner recess in the fuel tank.

Preferably, the off-road vehicle has a side panel that extends forwardof the rear axle and rearward of the at least one seat. In someversions, the off-road vehicle has an air intake opening positionedforward of the rear axle and rearward of the at least one seat.Preferably, the side panel or one or more intake ducts has the airintake opening. In some versions, the one or more air intake ducts passair from the air intake opening to one or more of the continuouslyvariable transmission or an airbox that provides air to the engine.Preferably, at least a portion of the air intake opening is positionedabove the seat bottom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention aredescribed in detail below with reference to the following drawings.

FIGS. 1A-D are isometric views of the vehicle of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-B are isometric views of the chassis of the vehicle shown inFIGS. 1A-D;

FIGS. 3A-C are top and side views of the body panels of the vehicleshown in FIGS. 1A-D;

FIG. 3D is an isometric view of a portion of the vehicle of the presentinvention with the hood and dash removed;

FIGS. 4A-D are isometric views into the occupant cabin of the vehicle;

FIG. 4E is a side-elevational view of a portion of the vehicleillustrating passenger seating;

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of an access panel in position with thevehicle;

FIG. 5B is a view with the panel of FIG. 5A removed;

FIG. 5C is an isometric view of the panel of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the front suspension of the vehicle ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 7A-C are isometric views of the rear suspension of the vehicle;

FIG. 8A is a side-elevational view of the engine and transaxle in placein the chassis of the vehicle;

FIG. 8B is an isometric partially exploded view of the engine andtransaxle assembly;

FIG. 8C is an isometric view of the engine mounting location in thechassis;

FIG. 8D is a top view of the engine and transaxle assembly of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9A is a rear isometric view of the air intake assembly installedwith the engine;

FIG. 9B is a side-elevational view of the engine, transaxle, and airintake tract of the present invention;

FIG. 9C is a close-up isometric view of the airbox mounting;

FIG. 9D is a right side-elevational view of the airbox to engine path;

FIG. 9E is an isometric view of the air intake assembly of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 9F-G are rear views inside the airbox;

FIG. 10A is a front isometric view of the front of the vehicle with thebody panels removed;

FIG. 10B is a top view of the front of the vehicle with the body panelsremoved;

FIG. 10C is a side-elevational view of the front of the vehicle with thebody panels and headlights removed;

FIG. 11A is a side-elevational view of the fuel tank within the chassisof the vehicle; and

FIGS. 11B-C are isometric views of the fuel tank of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of a vehicle having a center of mass atleast approximately superimposed in at least the longitudinal andvertical directions with the center of mass of the passenger accordingto embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a seat of the vehicle of FIG. 12according to embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure is generally directed to a vehicle configuredsuch that the center of gravity of the vehicle is very near the centerof gravity of the passenger. In one preferred embodiment, thelongitudinal center of gravity of the passenger is between the midpointbetween the axles and the center of gravity of the vehicle. In someembodiments, the passenger's center of gravity is assumed to begenerally at a certain point relative to the passenger. For example, thecenter of gravity can be assumed to be at the passenger's hip, or at apoint near the navel as the passenger sits in the vehicle. The center ofgravity can be positioned outside of the passenger's physical body. Thecenter of gravity may change depending on the configuration of the seatsand the passenger's posture within the vehicle. The vehicle's center ofgravity can be at the same vertical, longitudinal, and lateral positionas the passenger's center of gravity. For vehicles having side-by-sideseating, the center of gravity of the vehicle is generally aligned withthe centerline of the vehicle, and accordingly is placed between thedriver and passenger seats. In some embodiments, the vehicle's center ofgravity is higher than the passenger's center of gravity. In otherembodiments, the vehicle's center of gravity is slightly lower than thepassenger's center of gravity. Further details of the present disclosureare given in more detail with reference to FIG. 12 below.

The vehicle's center of gravity (or “center of mass”) can be alignedwith the passenger's spine at a low position of the spine, such as nearthe passenger's tailbone. The forces imparted to the passenger by thevehicle will therefore be perceptibly minimized. In some embodiments,the wheel vehicle's center of gravity is rearward of the midpoint of thewheelbase. For example, the center of the wheelbase can be generallynear the longitudinal midpoint of the vehicle (equidistant between thefront and rear extremes of the vehicle), and the vehicle center of massis preferably at a longitudinal position 60% from the effective frontaxle of the vehicle and 40% from the effective rear axle of the vehicle(i.e. 60/40 weight distribution). The seats can be positioned with thepassenger's center of mass somewhere longitudinally between these twopoints. As the vehicle moves over varied terrain, bumps in the roadcause the vehicle to move about these two points as a function of thesuspension. In an example, if the vehicle had a perfectly rigidsuspension, movement over varied terrain would cause the vehicle to moveabout the midpoint of the wheelbase. Conversely, if a vehicle with aperfectly elastic suspension traveled over the same varied terrain, thevehicle would move about the center of mass. Since neither of thesetheoretical extremes can be achieved, the realistic vehicle with somesuspension will move about a point somewhere between these two points.Positioning the passenger's center of mass within this envelope causesthe perceived motion of the vehicle to be less. Positioning thepassenger within this longitudinal envelope provides the smoothest rideto the passenger for a given suspension configuration. The smoothestride allows the passenger to maintain the best control of the vehicleunder speed and uneven terrain. Thus, ideally, if the longitudinalweight distribution of the vehicle places the center of gravity of thevehicle 40% from the effective rear axle, the longitudinal center ofgravity of the passenger is placed between 40% and 50% distant from therear axle.

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle 1210 configuredaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle 1210 canbe a four-wheeled vehicle having two front vehicle 1212 on a front axle1212 a, two rear wheels 1213 on a rear axle 1213 a, two seats 1214: adriver's seat and a passenger's seat. The vehicle 1210 can be an all-terrain vehicle (“ATV”) or a recreational off-highway vehicle (“ROV”),a two- or three -wheeled vehicle, or any other suitable type of wheeledvehicle.

The vehicle can have any suitable drive train, such as 4×4, 2×4, etc.The vehicle 1210 can be made of a frame and a roll cage 1215 thatgenerally encloses the passenger area and protects the passengers incase of a roll-over or other circumstance. The vehicle 1210 can have aspider frame construction. In some embodiments, the vehicle 1210 hasdoors (not shown) to the passenger area that extend downward to thelower portion of the seat 1214 or lower such as below the seat 1214. Thevehicle 1210 preferably includes a radiator 1219 positioned rearward ofthe seats 1214 and above the engine. The vehicle 1210 can have asuspension system 1221 that can be a trailing-arm suspension, an A-linksuspension, or any other suitable type of suspension system 1221. Thevehicle 1210 can include a cargo bed 1222 at a rear position or atanother position such as near the front of the vehicle 1210 or laterallyoutside the passenger area or above the passenger area. The vehicle 1210can include a fuel tank 1223 which can be positioned rearward of theengine 1216, above or rearward of the transmission 1218 and engine 1216,or elsewhere. The vehicle 1210 can also include other common vehiclecomponents, such as a battery, a spare tire, tire changing equipmentsuch as a jack, and other such vehicle components.

The vehicle 1210 has an engine 1216, a transmission 1218, and otherstandard vehicle equipment positioned variously throughout the vehicle1210. The transmission 1218 can be positioned rearward of the engine1216, or forward of the engine as shown by 1218′. In other embodiments,the engine 1216 and transmission 1218 can be at a same lateral orlongitudinal position. The transmission 1218 can be a continuouslyvariable transmission (CVT), or another suitable type of transmission.The transmission 1218 can have a drive clutch and a driven clutch. Insome embodiments, the drive clutch is forward of the driven clutch; inothers, the driven clutch is forward of the drive clutch.

Any of these vehicle components can be positioned to achieve a desiredweight distribution for the vehicle 1210. The vehicle 1210 therefore hasa center of gravity or center of mass (“COM”) 1230 at a certain point inthe vehicle 1210. A COM is generally defined as the mean location of allthe mass in a system. In certain embodiments, the seats 1214 arepositioned within the vehicle 1210 such that the passenger's COM 1220 issuperimposed on the COM 1230 of the vehicle 1210 in at least thelongitudinal and vertical directions. In some embodiments, the vehicle'sCOM 1230 and the passenger's COM 1220 are exactly superimposed in one ormore of the longitudinal and vertical directions. The vehicle's COM 1230can also be superimposed with the passenger's COM 1220 in the lateraldirection. In other embodiments, there is some distance between thevehicle's COM 1230 and the passenger's COM 1220. This distance isreferred to herein as the center-center distance. In some embodiments,the passenger's COM 1220 is assumed to be near an appropriate portion ofthe passenger's body, such as the hip area or the navel. In someembodiments, the vehicle 1210 can be configured such that the vehicle'sCOM 1230 is aligned or nearly aligned with the passenger's spine.Minimizing the distance between the vehicle COM 1230 and the passenger'sspine can improve the passenger ride in the vehicle 1210. Of course,passengers have different body types with different center of masspositions; however, there are several approximations for passenger COMthat are used in the industry. For example, a Seat Index Point (“SIP”)1240 is generally used by seatbelt manufacturers to approximate theposition of the passenger when seated in the seat 1214. The SIP can bemeasured according to SAE Standard No. J1163 200612, published Dec. 4,2006. Another point is the ANSI point 1238 that is defined by theANSI/ROHVA 1-201X standard as approximately 152 mm above the lowestpoint 1236 of the occupant-supporting surface, and 254 mm forward of theseat back. In other literature, the ANSI point can be defined as beingin line with a vertical transverse plane of the vehicle approximatelyequidistant between the front and rear axle. In some particularembodiments, the vertical transverse plane can be 0.05% closer to oneaxle than to another. In other words, the ratio between the distancebetween the vertical transverse plane and an axle (either the front orthe rear) and the wheelbase is approximately 49.55%. In severalembodiments of the invention, the passenger COM 1220 can be approximatedby any one of these reference points alone, or any two or more incombination. For example, the passenger COM 1220 can be approximated byan arithmetic average of the SIP 1240 and the ANSI point 1238, or anyother suitable combination.

The vehicle 1210 can have an equal weight distribution between the frontaxle 1212 a and the rear axle 1213 a. In other embodiments, the vehicleweight distribution can be uneven, favoring the front or rear axles 1212a, 1213 a. In one particular preferred embodiment, the weightdistribution is a 40/60 front/rear distribution, with approximately 40%of the vehicle weight bearing on the front vehicle 1212, and 60% of thevehicle weight bearing on the rear wheels 1213. In other words, adistance D1 between the vehicle COM 1230 and the rear axle 1213 a isapproximately 40% of a distance D4 between the front axle 1212 a and therear axle 1213 a.

The distance D1, between the vehicle COM 1230 and the rear axle 1213 ais approximately 982.9 mm in the longitudinal direction, and thedistance D4 between the front axle 1212 a and the rear axle 1213 a isapproximately 2413.6 mm in the longitudinal direction. For purposes ofdescription, a generally horizontal plane 1258 parallel with and runningthrough the front axle 1212 a and the rear axle 1213 a is used forreference. The vehicle COM 1230 can be spaced apart from the plane 1258by a distance D6, which can be approximately 274.4 mm in the verticaldirection. In some embodiments, the SIP 1240 can be spaced apart fromthe rear axle 1213 a by a distance D2 in the longitudinal direction, andfrom the plane 1258 by a distance D7 in the vertical direction.Distances D2 and D7 can be 1091.5 mm and 332.3 mm, respectively. Inseveral embodiments, the ANSI point 1238 can be spaced apart from therear axle 1213 a by a distance D3 in the longitudinal direction, andfrom the plane 1258 by a distance D8 in the vertical direction.Distances D3 and D8 can be 1196 mm and 373.9 mm, respectively.

The position of the engine 1216 and transmission 1218, and any othervehicle components, can be varied in any suitable manner to achieve thedesired relationship between the vehicle COM 1230 and the passenger COM1220. The engine 1216 and transmission 1218 can be positioned behind theseat 1214, and more specifically, with the transmission 1218 positionedbehind the engine 1216. In certain embodiments, the engine 1216 andtransmission are at approximately the same vertical level relative tothe vehicle 1210. The vehicle 1210 can include a radiator 1219 which canbe positioned above the engine and/or transmission as shown. Theradiator 1219 can be angled rearwardly to intake air from above andrearward of the radiator 1219 and direct it toward the engine 1216 andother internal components. The position of the radiator 1219 can bevaried to achieve a desired vehicle COM 1230. To keep the COM biasedsomewhat rearwardly as desired for off-road vehicles, the radiator isplaced behind the longitudinal center of the vehicle. Various otherconfigurations are possible to achieve the desired weight distribution.

The front axle 1212 a and the rear axle 1213 a can be positionedrelative to the vehicle 1210 such that the midpoint between them isspaced apart longitudinally from the vehicle COM 1230 by a certaindistance. For example, assuming D3 is the distance between the rear axle1213 a and the midpoint of the wheelbase and D1 is the distance betweenthe rear axle 1213 a and the vehicle COM 1230, the distance D2 defines alongitudinal envelope between these two points. In other embodiments themidpoint of the wheelbase can be rearward of the vehicle COM 1230. Inpreferred embodiments, the passenger's COM 1220 is positioned somewherebetween these two points D1 and D3. As the vehicle moves over variedterrain, bumps in the road cause the vehicle 1210 to move about thesetwo points as a function of the suspension. In an example, if thevehicle 1210 had a perfectly rigid suspension, movement over variedterrain would cause the vehicle 1210 to tend to move about the midpointof the wheelbase. Conversely, if a vehicle with a perfectly elasticsuspension traveled over the same varied terrain, the vehicle 1210 wouldtend to move about the center of mass. Since neither of thesetheoretical extremes can be achieved, the realistic vehicle with somesuspension will effectively move about a point somewhere between thesetwo points. Positioning the passenger's center of mass within thisenvelope causes the perceived motion of the vehicle to be less andtherefore passenger comfort is improved.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle and seat configurationaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure that shows theeffects of a small or large center-center distance on the ride of thevehicle 1210. The center-center distance can have a lateral component, avertical component, and a longitudinal component. When the vehicle's COM1230 and the passenger's COM 1220 are at the exact same position, thecenter-center distance is zero. The larger the center-center distanceis, the more an uneven terrain impacts the passenger's ride. Forexample, if the center-center distance has a large vertical component(because the vehicle's COM is higher or lower than the passenger'sCOM—the typical case) or a large longitudinal component (because thevehicle's COM is farther forward or back than the passenger's COM),movement of the vehicle about the lateral axis (pitch) moves thepassenger as a function of center-center distance. FIG. 13 shows a firstseat 1242 with a COM 1220 aligned with a vehicle's COM 1230. In thisexample, at least the vertical and longitudinal components of thecenter-center distance are zero. As the seat 1242 rocks back and forthabout the lateral axis, or pitch axis, such as when the vehicle 1210goes over a bump, the passenger in the seat 1242 moves between a firstposition 1242 a and a second position 1242 b. The movement of thepassenger in the seat 1242 is minimal. The second seat 1242 is shownwith an exaggerated vertical center-center distance. With the samevehicle movement, the passenger in the second seat 1242 moves a greatdeal more between a first position 1242 a and a second position 1242 b.The perceived movement of the passenger is approximately linearlyrelated to the center-center distance about any given axis. If thecenter-center distance has a large longitudinal or lateral component,the passenger will feel the movement more when the vehicle 1210 rotatesabout the vertical axis, or yaw axis; if the center-center distance hasa large lateral or vertical component, the passenger will feel themovement more when the vehicle rotates about the longitudinal axis. Thevehicle configuration of the present disclosure minimizes thecenter-center distance and thereby improves the ride of the vehicle1210. Thus, positioning the passenger vertically close to the COM andbetween D1 and D3 of the vehicle improves the ride quality perceived bythe passenger.

It should be noted that when the passenger sits in the vehicle thesuspension is becomes slightly more compressed, thus lowering thevehicle slightly and, depending on the suspension arms, widening thevehicle track. Because of this configuration, the stability of thevehicle improves when there are passengers seated in the vehicle 1210.

In some embodiments, the center-center distance in the longitudinal andvertical direction is zero or nearly zero. In other words, the vehicle'sCOM 1230 is at the same longitudinal position and vertical position asthe passenger's COM 1220. The vehicle's COM 1230 can be at a lateralmidpoint of the vehicle 1210, and the seats 1214 can be equally spacedfrom the midline of the vehicle. Assuming two side-by-side passengershave equal weight, in this configuration the vehicle's COM 1230 and thepassenger's collective COM 1220 are at the same point longitudinally,vertically, and laterally. In some embodiments, the vehicle 1210 canhave a single, center-mounted seat in which case the driver's COM 1220can be exactly or nearly exactly superimposed upon the vehicle's COM1230. In many other configurations, however, there is some center-centerdistance in at least one dimension. In some embodiments, the passenger'sCOM 1220 is less than approximately 100 cm from the vehicle's COM 1230in the longitudinal or vertical direction. In other embodiments, thecenter-center distance can be greater, such as between 100-400. In someembodiments the passenger's COM 1220 is above or below the vehicle's COM1230 or in front of or behind the vehicle's COM 1230 or any workablecombination thereof (e.g. above and behind, below and in front of, etc).As previously noted the passenger COM is preferably slightly forward ofthe vehicle COM 1230 in a vehicle with a heavier weight distribution onthe rear axle.

In some embodiments, the seats 1214 of the vehicle 1210 are constructedand positioned so that the passenger's COM 1220 is closer vertically tothe vehicle's COM 1230 the than conventional ROVs or other vehicles.Conventional side-by-side off-road recreational vehicles have seats thatare positioned so that the passenger's COM is over 20 cm higher than thevehicle's COM, causing the passenger to undesirably move forward andbackward as the vehicle rocks about a lateral axis.

In contrast to some conventional vehicles, the center-center distance ofthe present disclosure can be small even though the bottom of the seat1214 is spaced apart from the bottom of the vehicle 1210 by a distanceD9. Some vehicles, such as some sandrails, are configured with thebottom of the seat very near to the bottom (or floor) of the vehicle.Conventional recreational off-road vehicles have a seating area morethan 10 cm (typically 12.5 cm) higher than D9 above the bottom of thevehicle chassis.

As shown in the drawings listed above, the invention is a vehicle thatincludes side-by-side seating for a driver and a passenger(“occupants”). The vehicle is preferably less than about 50 inches widesuch that it can access trails developed and designated for all -terrainvehicles (ATVs). Thus, as shown in FIG. 1A, a vehicle 10 includes achassis 12, a driver seat 14, a passenger seat 16, and a steering wheel18 forward of the driver seat 14. The chassis 12 supports the vehiclecomponents including the seats 14, 16. In alternate embodiments,additional seating may be provided rearward of the driver and passengerseats 14, 16.

The chassis also supports a roll cage 20, safety nets 22, and bodypanels 24. The chassis is constructed with rectangular metal tubing aswell as round (or somewhat round) tubing, referring to thecross-sectional shape of the tubing. Generally the rectangular tubing ishidden by the body panels 24, whereas most of the outwardly visibletubing is the round tubing. The round tubing is strong for perimetersupport and has a desirable appearance that may signify off-road abilityto some users. The round tubing is able to provide impact protection instrategic locations as well, such as along the bottom edge of thevehicle, the front and rear of the vehicle, and for the roll cage. Thesquare tubing is advantageous for inner chassis support as it can beused to secure vehicle components without the need for as many tabsfixed to the chassis. Items can be secured to the rectangular tubingsides, such as by a simple weld or a fastener.

The vehicle 10 also includes a prime mover, preferably a gas-poweredengine 26. The engine is held by the chassis 12. The engine is drivinglycoupled to a pair of front wheels 28, having front tires 30 mountedthereon, the front wheels 28 being held to the chassis 12 with a frontsuspension 32. The engine is also drivingly coupled to a pair of rearwheels 34, having rear tires 36 mounted thereon, the rear wheels 34being held to the chassis 12 with a rear suspension 38. Front and rearsuspensions 32, 38 will be described in more detail below in connectionwith FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 1B also illustrates a general outer view of the vehicle 10. Front-opening driver and passenger doors 40, 42 are provided for ingress andegress to the occupant cabin having the seats 14, 16. The doors 40, 42are constructed with door frames 44 that are hinged at the rear to thechassis and latched at the front to the chassis. Door panels 46 arepreferably secured to the door frames 44. Door panels 46 cover theoutside of the door frames 44, provide a pleasing external appearanceand help to safely secure the occupants in the vehicle 10. Note thatdoor frames 44 and door panels 46 do not extend vertically over theentire access opening on the side of the vehicle. The nets 22 help tocover some of the space, while allowing the vehicle to feel open andprovide good visibility for the occupants in the generally off-highwayterrain to which the vehicle is suited. Alternatively nets 22 may bereplaced with other structure or support to protect the driver andpassenger while still allowing good visibility.

Spaced below the door panels 46 are foot panels 48. Foot panels 48 covera lower portion of the chassis 12 and aid in keeping the occupants feetand legs within the vehicle 10. Panels extending forward of the footpanels provide front fenders 50, arching over the front tires 30. Leftand right side panels 52, 54, extend above and behind foot panels 48.Side panels 52, 54 are secured to the chassis 12 rearward of the doorpanels 46. The space between side panels 52, 54, foot panels 48 andfront fenders 50 is the access opening in the side of the vehicle 10.This opening is selectively closed by the doors 40, 42.

The front of the vehicle 10 is also shown in FIG. 1B. A hood panel 56extends between the upper portions of front fenders 50 to cover a topfront portion of the chassis 12. A grill panel 58 extends downwardlyfrom the front of the hood panel 56. A bumper panel 60 is situated atthe lower end of the grill panel 58 and may be an integral extensionthereof. An opening may be formed in the bumper panel 60 to accommodatea winch 62 at the front of the vehicle 10. A pair of headlights 64 arepreferably secured to the chassis 12 on either side of the grill panel58, beneath the forward-most portion of front fenders 50.

The rear outer aspects of the vehicle are shown in FIG. 1C. A rear cargobox 66 is provided rearward of the seats 14, 16. Rear fenders 68 extendon either side of the cargo box 66. The rear fenders 68 extend forwardfrom the box to the side panels 52, 54. Fenders 68 extend downwardlypartially along the rearward edges of the side panels 52, 54. Taillights70 are secured to a rear grill that is in turn attached to the cargo box66. Taillights 70 preferably include running lights and braking lights.They may alternatively include backup lights and/or turn signals.

A head panel 72 bridges the space between the cargo box 66 and theoccupant cabin. The head panel includes an upper engine access door 74.This door preferably provides access to the top of the cylinder head(the valve cover and spark plugs) of the engine 26. Thus, minormaintenance tasks can be performed on the engine without removal of thehead panel 72 and cargo box 66. The access door 74 is preferably securedclosed with fasteners on its lower corners.

Within the occupant cabin a dashboard 76 is positioned forward of theseats 14, 16 and steering wheel 18. The dashboard 76 extends rearwardlyfrom hood 56 and front fenders 50. The dashboard 76 includes openingsfor the steering column and the instrument gauge. In standard fashion itallows room beneath for the occupants legs. A floorboard 78 is also seenin FIG. 1C beneath the dashboard. A passenger area front panel 80extends between the floorboard 78 and the dashboard 76. Completing theoccupant envelope is a passenger area rear panel 82 shown in FIG. 1B.The rear panel 82 extends behind the seats between the floorboard 78 andthe head panel 72. These panels are preferably constructed of moldedplastic. They are secured to the chassis 12 with fasteners.

Portions of the drive system of vehicle 10 are shown in FIG. 1C. Atransaxle 84 is positioned rearward of engine 26. The transaxle 84includes the transmission gears and rear gearcase to drive the rearaxles. A continuously variable transmission (CVT 86) is positioned onthe left side of the engine 26 and transaxle 84 and spans between thetwo to provide power from the engine 26 to the transaxle 84. The airbox88 is also visible on the rear of the vehicle 10. The airbox 88 beingpositioned at the rear end of the vehicle, it is easily accessible formaintenance.

The left side of the vehicle 10 includes an air intake opening 90 withinthe left side panel 52. An engine air intake duct 92 and a CVT airintake duct 94 both extend from this opening 90, to the airbox 88 andthe CVT 86, respectively.

FIG. 1D illustrates some of the components from the rear right side ofthe vehicle 10. A fuel fill opening 96 is provided with the right sidepanel 54. A glove box 98 is recessed into the dashboard 76. Aninstrument gauge 100 is secured in the dashboard 76 preferably betweenthe glove box 98 and the steering wheel 18. A receiver hitch 102 isprovided extending from the rearward-most portion of the chassis 12,rearward of the transaxle 84.

Details of the chassis 12 are seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The chassis 12includes a chassis front portion 104, a chassis mid portion 106, and achassis rear portion 108. The front portion 104 secures the frontsuspension 32, the steering mechanism (not shown), and the winch 62. Italso supports other components, such as headlights, a radiator,electrical lines, and hoses discussed in more detail below. The midportion 106 secures the occupant area and related components of thevehicle 10. The rear portion 108 secures the rear suspension 38, theengine 26, and the transaxle 84.

More specifically the chassis front portion 104 includes front bars 110,front support frame 112, bumper bars 114, and various brackets 116.Front bars 110 are round tubular frame pieces welded together andextending along the front of the chassis 12, curving slightly outwardlyfrom top to bottom. The front bars 110 are bolstered behind by the frontsupport frame 112. Bumper bars 114 are fastened to front bars 110forward of front bars 110. As discussed below, bumper bars 114 providesecurement and protection for the radiator and help secure the lightsand winch 62.

The chassis mid portion 106 includes undercarriage frame members 118that are secured at their forward end to the chassis front portion 104.Preferably the undercarriage frame members are tubes with rectangularcross sections welded together, except for an outer lower rail 120 thathas a larger, round cross section. Lower rail 120 extends along thelower sides of the chassis mid portion 106 to protect the chassis fromimpacts. As seen in FIGS. 1A-D, the lower rail 120 is visible below thebody panels 24 (including foot panels 48), whereas the remainder of theundercarriage frame is generally hidden from view. Lower rail 120extends on each side of vehicle 10 from the rear of chassis mid portion106 then bending medially to connect to the narrower chassis frontportion 104. Impact with dirt, rocks, logs, or other terrain may be morecommon along the portion of the chassis 12 formed by the lower rail 120.It's larger, round cross section is well suited to protect the remainderof the vehicle. The remainder of undercarriage frame 118 is preferablywelded directly to the inner sides of lower rail 120.

Rising up from undercarriage frame 118 near the bend in lower rail 120is a front frame member 122 on each side of chassis 12. Front framemembers 122 rise upwardly and forwardly to meet a dash bar 124. Dash bar124 extends across the front of chassis mid portion 106 and is alsoconnected to the tops of front bars 110 inboard of the connections tofront frame members 122. Dash bar 124 is also preferably of larger,round cross-sectional shape. After connecting with front frame members122, the dash bar 124 bends upwardly and rearwardly to connect to theroll cage 20.

At the rear ends of lower rails 120, rear frame members 126 extendupwardly, defining the rear corners of chassis mid portion 106. Theseframe members, rectangular in cross section, extend upwardly andslightly rearwardly to a connection with a head bar 128 and the rearwardend of the roll cage 20. Head bar 128 extends from one side of the rearof the chassis mid portion 106 to the other. Head bar 128 and the rearframe members 126 frame the upper and sides of a chassis opening intowhich the engine and transaxle are preferably inserted. These chassismembers form the rear structural support for the vehicle.

Additional support frame members are provided in the chassis mid portion106. Side support members 130 extend between rear frame members 126 andfront frame members 122 on each side of the chassis mid portion 106.Side support members 130 also secure a seat support frame 132 in place.Seat support frame 132 extends across chassis mid portion 106 from oneside to the other and includes securement brackets for seats 14, 16.Seat support frame 132 is preferably constructed of two separateweldments- a front weldment and a rear weldment. The front weldment issecured to the rear weldment with longitudinally extending channelsbetween the two. A passenger grip 134 is also fastened to the seatsupport frame 132. The passenger grip 134 extends upwardly and forwardlyfrom a front mid portion of the seat support frame 132. As will bediscussed below, the passenger grip 134 extends upwardly on the medialside of the passenger seating area.

FIG. 2B better illustrates the rear frame members of chassis rearportion 108. Chassis rear portion 108 includes rear lower frame members136 along the bottom of the chassis rear portion 108 and rear upperframe members 138 along the top of the chassis rear portion 108. Reartubes 140 extend from the upper frame members 138 to the lower framemembers 136 at the rearward end of the chassis 12. In the preferredembodiment, rear tubes 140 extend continuously into lower frame members136. Rear tubes 140 preferably are constructed of round cross-sectionaltubing. Further rear framing is provided with rear support members 142extending between lower frame members 136 and upper frame members 138.These members provide additional structural support and mountinglocations for vehicle components, such as the engine 26, the transaxle84, the rear suspension 38, and the cargo box 66.

The chassis rear portion 108 also includes lower rearward supports 144that triangulate the connection between the chassis mid portion 106 andthe chassis rear portion 108. Rearward supports 144 extend from therearward ends of lower rails 120 to the rear lower frame members 136.These supports also provide securement for engine front mounts 146 inthe forward end of the chassis rear portion 108. Transaxle rear mountsare also provided; they are secured to the rear support members at therearward end of the chassis rear portion 108. The engine and transaxlemounts will be shown in more detail in connection with the engine andtransaxle discussed below.

Also shown in FIG. 2B are tube couplers 150 welded between the rearframe members 126 and the head tube 128. These couplers also providesecurement to the roll cage 120.

FIGS. 3A through 3D illustrate the body panels 24 that are secured tothe chassis 12. Several of the panels have already been mentioned. FIGS.3A and 3B show in more detail several features of the vehicle occupantcabin. Floorboard 78 includes cup holders 152 molded integrallytherewith. Floorboard 78 is preferably molded in a single piece.However, it may alternatively be molded in two parts—a driver side and apassenger side, each with cup holders 152, as well as a driver foot rest156 and a passenger foot rest 154. The foot rests are “dead pedals” thatthe occupants can use for resting a foot or bracing themselves withinthe vehicle 10. The foot rests 154, 156 are also preferably integrallymolded with the floor panels.

Additional body panels 24 are within the vehicle cabin including anengine cover 158, a center console 160, a battery cover 162, and a lowerengine access panel 164. Rear panel 82 is formed in two parts—a rightside and a left side. The engine cover 158 is formed of a right and aleft part, fastened down the middle. The two outer sides extend from thetwo sides of passenger area rear panels 82 and are attached thereto. Thecenter console 160 is a raised hump between the seats that accommodatesthe driveline, the shift cable, cooling hoses, and the electricalharness. An opening in the top of the center console 160 allows formovement of the shift lever. The lower engine access panel 164 is heldon the forward end of the engine cover and allows access to the oilfilter and dipstick, as will be shown in more detail below.

An upper engine cover 166 is also provided at the rear of the head panel72 within the cargo box 66. Upper engine cover 166 extends integrallyfrom head panel 72. It includes the upper engine access door 74,mentioned above.

FIG. 3C illustrates the right side of the body panels. A fuel fillrecess 168 is shown in the right side panel 54. The forward extent ofthe passenger area front panel 80 is also well shown here, as well asthe rearward extent of the passenger area rear panel 82.

FIG. 3D provides a close-up view of the body panels 24 secured on thechassis over numerous vehicle components. A radiator 170 is positionedrearward of the grill panel and between headlight assemblies 64 on theright and left sides of the radiator 170. The headlight assembliesextend between the front fenders 50 and the grill panel on either sideof the upper end of the radiator 170. With regard to the chassis 12, theradiator is situated between the bumper bars 114 and the front supportframe 112 (see FIG. 2A).

Also shown among other components is a brake reservoir 174, which isaccessible under the hood panel 56. Several components are accessibleunder the hood panel 56, including the radiator 170, the headlightassemblies 172, a steering assembly 176, and portions of the frontsuspension 32. Above the hood and other body panels, roll cage couplersare provided at the upper ends of the dash bar 124. Note that storagespace 180 is also provided under the hood panel 56. A bin or othermember may be advantageously provided under the hood for this purpose.As several components along with storage space 180 may be accessed underthe hood panel 56, hand fasteners are preferably provided to secure hoodpanel 56 in place.

FIGS. 4A-D illustrate various ergonomic aspects of the vehicle 10. Thevehicle occupant cabin is shown with the seats 14, 16, floorboard 78,doors 40, 42, and controls including the steering wheel 18. The doorsinclude door latches 182 that may be opened from the outside of front ofthe rearwardly opening doors. The doors 40, 42 are hinged at a slightangle such that they swing outwardly and downwardly. Thus, they stayopen due to gravity until closed. Nets 22 or other structure may besecured to the top and bottoms of the rearward ends of the doors 40, 42to provide additional protection to the occupants. In place of nets,additional structure may be provided to provide impact protection andsecurement within the cabin.

The door frames 44 include upper and lower bars over which the doorpanels 46 are secured. An interior passenger door hand hold 184 extendsfrom the upper bar to the lower bar on the passenger door frame 44 aboveand to the right of the front of the passenger seat 16. Door hand hold184 is angled forwardly as it extends upwardly so as to provide acomfortable grip to the occupants.

In the case of the passenger door handle, it provides a convenient placefor the passenger to grasp when riding to steady himself or herself asthe vehicle 10 moves. The passenger may comfortably grasp the doorhandle 184 with the right hand and the passenger grab bar or grip 134with the left hand. The handle 184 and bar 134 are located at theforward end of the seating area at nearly the same longitudinal locationalong the vehicle 10. The grab bar 134 also helps to separate thepassenger from interfering with the operation of the vehicle. Forexample, the bar 134 separates the passenger from a shift lever 188.Thus, the passenger's leg will not bump the shift lever 188 that extendsup through the center console 100. The grab bar is preferably a bar ofround cross section with a rubber grip on the upper end thereof. Thedoor handles 184, 186 may also have rubber grips.

A throttle pedal 190 and a brake pedal 192 are also accessible to thedriver seated in the driver seat 14. As the preferred embodiment of thevehicle utilizes a CVT, a clutch pedal is not shown, although can beprovided in alternate embodiments. The pedals 190, 192 are forward ofand slightly above a heel rest 194. Heel rest 194 is provided in thefloorboard 78 as an angled face providing a step for locating the heelof the driver by feel. This allows the driver to easily place his or herfoot at the proper location to operate the vehicle 10 even whiletraversing rough terrain. Undercarriage frame 118 may extend behind thefloorboard 78 adjacent the underside of heel rest 194 to provideadditional support. The floorboard rearward of heel rest 194 may besloped to provide for the step of heel rest 194. Heel rest 194 extendsbetween driver footrest 156 and a floorboard hump. It also extends onthe passenger side of floorboard 78 between the passenger footrest 154and floorboard hump 196. Floorboard hump 196 houses a portion of thedriveline, hoses, and electrical wires.

FIGS. 4A and 4E show the position of the upper and lower door hinges198, 200. The hinges are secured between the side support members 130and the door frame 44 on each door. The hinges may be any memberallowing pivotal movement between the door 40 and the chassis 12. Asdiscussed above, the hinge axis is tilted rearwardly in the preferredembodiment illustrated, such that the door swings rearwardly anddownwardly when opening.

FIG. 4A also shows some detail of the head panel 72 that extends overthe head bar 128 rearward of the seats 14, 16. Head panel 72 bridges thespace between the cargo box 66 and the passenger area rear panel 82.Head panel 72 includes raised portions rearward of the tops of the seats14, 16 with a recess between the raised portions for rearwardvisibility.

The arrangement of the vehicle 10 provides a low center of gravity andplaces the driver and passenger low in the vehicle near the center ofgravity of the vehicle. This helps improve the stability and ridequality of the occupants over rough terrain. Extending the wheelbase toover 80 inches, preferably about 83 inches also aids in the stability ofthe vehicle and allows the positioning of the seats 14, 16 lower in thechassis 12.

FIGS. 5A-C illustrate the lower engine access panel 164 that is rearwardof and laterally between the seats 14, 16 in the vehicle cabin. A panelfastener 202 secures the access panel to the rearward end of the centerconsole 160. The fastener 202 employs a tab that may be turned by handto remove the panel. The shape of the access panel 164 continues theshape of the center console 160 and transitions to the shape of theengine cover 158 as the access panel 164 extends rearwardly.

With the lower engine access panel 164 removed, an oil filter 204 anddipstick 206 may be accessed as shown in FIG. 5B. As shown in FIG. 5C,the access panel 164 includes a fastener recess 207 in which the panelfastener is placed. Securement tabs 208 extend from the sides of thepanel to engage the surrounding engine cover 158. Once the fastener 202is secure the tabs also secure the access panel 164 in place. Thisallows access to engine parts without difficult or timely disassembly ofvehicle components.

FIG. 6 illustrates the front suspension 32 of vehicle 10. It also showsin some detail the chassis front portion 104. The front suspension isconstructed of right and left four-bar linkages each side including thechassis, the upper arm 212, the lower front A -arm 214, and the knuckleassembly 216. The exact angles, lengths, and spacing of the connectionsbetween the links is selected to determine the travel of the wheelconnected to a hub 218 attached to the knuckle assembly 216.

Steering rods 220 are coupled between the steering assembly (not shown)and the knuckle assembly 216. Right and left “half shaft” front axlesalso move with the suspension, connected between the front gear box (notshown) and the hub 218. Shock absorbers 224 with springs are coupledbetween the chassis, specifically brackets on the front bars 110, andthe upper arms 212. Loads are transferred through the front bars 110 tothe dash bar 124, the roll cage 20, and the front frame members 122 andso forth to bridge to the rear of the vehicle 10.

Turning to the rear suspension, FIGS. 7A through 7C are illustrative.Somewhat similar to the front suspension 32, rear suspension 38 ispreferably constructed with a four-bar linkage arrangement. Each side ofthe suspension includes an upper arm 226, a lower A-arm 228, and a rearknuckle 232. The upper and lower arms 226, 228 are secured to thechassis rear portion 108 through suspension brackets 230 secured betweenrear support members 142 and rear lower frame members 136. A rear shockand spring assembly 234 is secured between the lower A-arm 228 and ashock absorber bracket 236 on each side. The shock absorber brackets 236are secured to the rear support members 142 and rear upper frame members138.

The rear sway bar assembly interacts with the rear suspension 38. A swaybar 238 links the right and left lower A-arms 228. Sway bar 238 extendsrearward of the rear tubes 140 and is mounted to the rear tubes 140 withsway bar mounts 240 secured to a rear bracket 241 that extends betweenrear tubes 140. Sway bar mounts 240 hold sway bar 238 from translationalmovement while allowing rotational movement. After extending beyond reartubes 140, the sway bar 238 bends forward to the outboard sides of thesuspension brackets 230 and inboard of the shock absorber and springassemblies 234. The forward ends of sway bar 238 are coupled to sway barlinks 242 that extend downwardly to couplings with lower A-arms 228.Lower A-arms 228 include cross members 229 extending from forward torearward portions of lower A-arms 228. The lower ends of links 242 aresecured to the cross members 229. See FIGS. 7B and 7C.

As shown in FIGS. 8A-D, the engine 26, transaxle 84, and CVT 86 are alsopositioned within chassis rear portion 108. The engine 26 is positionedforwardly of the transaxle 84. The CVT 86 is driven by the engine 26 anddrives the transaxle 84, preferably on the left side of the engine andtransaxle. As discussed above, engine front mounts 146 are fastened tothe front of the engine crankcase. Engine front mounts 146 are “L”shaped to fasten to the crankcase at various locations and provide alower mounting location to the chassis rear portion 108. A frame bracket244 is held above rear lower frame members 136. The frame bracket 244secures isolation members 246 on the top thereof. Isolation members 246are preferably typical engine mounts that include metal fastenersisolated with rubber to allow vibrational movements of the enginewithout translating all such engine vibrations to the chassis.

The rearward end of the transaxle 84 is secured to the rearward end ofthe chassis rear portion 108. As mentioned above, mount brackets 148 aresecured to the rearward case of the transaxle 84. Frame brackets 248 aresecured to the rear tubes 140 and the suspension bracket 230. Framebrackets 248 provide a mount for rear isolation members 250 that areplaced between frame bracket 248 and mount bracket 148. Rear isolationmembers 250 are similar to isolation members 246. As will be discussedin more detail below, the engine 26 and transaxle are coupled together.Thus, with two isolation members used at the rear of transaxle 84 andtwo used at the front of engine 26, the engine-transaxle assembly issecured to the chassis 12 with four isolation members for a securearrangement that isolates vibrations from the transmitting to thechassis and vehicle occupants. As the CVT is also coupled to the engineand transaxle, and not directly to the frame members, it too is isolatedfrom the chassis with the isolation members 246, 250. Other components,including the engine air intake tract also benefit from this isolationmounting, as will be described below.

The engine 26 and transaxle 84 are coupled with an engine plate 252 anda transaxle plate 254 that are fastened together. A single couplingplate or simply fasteners from the engine to the transaxle are employedin alternate embodiments. The engine plate 252 is fastened to the enginecrankcase and includes a portion facing the transaxle plate 254, whichis fastened to the transaxle 84. The two plates are secured togetherwith fasteners. Providing two plates fastened together provides for theconstruction of the plates with accurate tolerances for securement tothe engine and transaxle mounting locations.

The transaxle transfers power to the front axles through a forwardlyextending transaxle shaft 256 drivingly coupled to a driveshaft 258. Thedriveshaft 258 extends under engine 26 and center console 160 toward thefront of the vehicle 10. The driveshaft 258 extends beneath (and betweenin plan view) the engine front mounts 146 and isolation members 246. Aspline connection 260 couples the transaxle shaft 156 and driveshaft 258while allowing some small movement between them as the chassis slightlyflexes while the vehicle 10 is in operation. A front driveshaft 262 iscoupled to driveshaft 258 to extend the driveline to the front gearbox.The driveshaft 258 and front driveshaft 262 are secured together withanother spline connection. A frame coupler 264 is preferably placed nearthe connection to secure the front driveshaft in place while allowingfor rotational movement.

The transaxle transfers power to the rear axle through the transaxlerear drive 267 with splined couplings that open to the right and left ofthe rear portion of the transaxle 84. The rear half shafts are securedto the transaxle rear drive 267.

FIG. 8B further illustrates the interconnection of the engine 26 and thetransaxle 84. The engine plate 252 is secured to the engine 26 withappropriately situated engine plate mount tabs 265 extending therefrom.The plate is preferably fastened to the engine case. The engine plate ismanufactured by being cut then stamped to position the tabs 265correctly for alignment with the engine mount locations.

Likewise, the transaxle plate 254 is preferably cut and stamped intoshape. Alternatively it may be forged or cast or made by other methods.Transaxle plate mount tabs 266 are formed to securement to the front ofthe transaxle case above the transaxle shaft 256. Six fasteners securethe engine plate 252 to the transaxle plate 254.

In placing the engine into the chassis, the engine 26 and transaxle 84are fastened together first with mount plates 254, 252, then theassembly is placed within the chassis rear portion 108. The engine frontmounts 146 and transaxle rear mount 148 are preferably secured to theengine 26 and transaxle 84 prior to inserting the assembly as well. Inone embodiment, the CVT secured to the engine and transaxle prior toinsertion of the assembly.

FIG. 8C again shows the rear chassis portion 108 without the engine 26and transaxle 84. A shift cable 268 is shown held by a bracket. Thiscable extends from the lower end of the shift lever 188. It is connectedto the shift arm 270 of the transaxle 84 (shown in FIG. 8D).

FIG. 8D also illustrates the connection of the CVT 86 to the engine 26and transaxle 84. The CVT 86 is connected to an input shaft 272 of thetransaxle 84 and to a crankshaft 274 of the engine 26. The CVT 86includes a drive clutch 276 driven by the crankshaft 274 and a drivenclutch 278 mounted on the input shaft 272. A belt 280 is coupled betweenthe sheaves of the drive and driven clutches 276, 278 for achievingcontinuously variable gear ratios as the crankshaft changes speed. Thefixed connection between the engine and transaxle along with thecombined isolation mounting of the engine and transaxle to the chassisalso aids in the operation of the CVT, as the distance between the axisof rotation of the drive clutch 276 and that of the driven clutch ismaintained substantially constant. This helps reduce power losses andincrease belt life.

FIGS. 9A-G illustrate the air intake tract for the engine as well as theCVT cooling air intake and exhaust. The airbox 88 includes an airboxbody 282 that is formed of sufficient shape and volume to be tuned tothe engine for optimum performance. Note that the airbox 88 is alsoclose to the engine 26 such that the pulsing air needs of the combustionchambers are met with the large volume of the airbox 88. The airbox body282 is closed with an airbox cover 284 secured with clips 286 spacedaround the periphery thereof. The cover 284 faces rearwardly to bereadily accessible for access to the interior of the airbox 88 formaintenance. An airbox lower mount 288 secures the airbox to thetransaxle mount bracket 148, such that the airbox is isolated with theengine 26 and transaxle 84 to move therewith relative to the chassis 12.

FIG. 9A also shows the CVT cover 290 positioned over the clutches 276,278. Removal of the cover allows access to the clutches and belt 280.

FIG. 9B further illustrates routing of the engine air intake duct 92 tothe airbox from the air intake opening 90 to an airbox flex coupling 292on the forward portion of the airbox body 282. The flex coupling allowsthe airbox 88 to move relative to the intake duct 92, which is mountedto the chassis 12.

A CVT exhaust duct 294 is also shown in FIG. 9B. This duct extends fromthe rearward end of the CVT 86, above the driven clutch to an air dumplocation forward of the CVT 86.

FIG. 9C illustrates the lower mounting arrangement of the airbox 88. Theairbox body 282 includes lower mount tabs 296 extending downwardly fromthe bottom thereof. The tabs 296 are secured with fasteners to theairbox lower mount 288. As mentioned above, lower mount 288 is in turnsecured to the transaxle rear mount 148 that is attached to theisolation members 250. Thus, the airbox 88 is not directly fixed to thechassis 12.

FIGS. 9D and 9E show the preferred arrangement of intake componentsbetween the airbox 88 and the engine 26. A throttle body 300 and anintake manifold 302 are secured in line with the airbox 88 and engine 26across a short distance. The length of the throttle body 300 and intakemanifold 302 essentially define the distance. Thus, the air from theairbox 88 is readily available to the combustion chamber of the engine26. A throttle body coupling 304 is over-molded onto a flange on theforward end of the airbox body 282. This coupling 304 is clamped to therearward end of the throttle body 300. Likewise a manifold coupling 306is over-molded onto the rearward end of the intake manifold 302. Therearward end of the manifold coupling is clamped to the forward end ofthe throttle body 300. The couplings 304, 306 are somewhat elastic, butare of sufficient rigidity to support the components with the assistanceof an airbox upper bracket 308. Bracket 308 extends between the airboxbody 282, the throttle body 300, and the intake manifold 302. Note thatfuel injectors 310 are operatively connected to the forward ends ofintake manifold 302.

FIG. 9E also shows a duct hanger secured to an upper portion of theintake duct 92 to secure the duct to the rear chassis portion 108. Theintake duct 92 is channeled up from the entrance opening to avoid waterand debris from proceeding to the airbox 88. A drain 322 shown in FIG.9F also aids in removing any moisture that does enter the airbox 88. Ashield 320 forms a wall between an airbox intake opening 318 and an airfilter 312. Thus any moisture is channeled away from the filter 312 toexit drain 322.

A filter mount 314 and a mount fastener 316 secure the air filter inplace over a filter frame 326 (seen in FIG. 9G). FIG. 9F also shows aairbox gasket 324 received between airbox body 282 and airbox cover 284.A recess in the edge of cover 284 helps to hold the gasket 324 in place.

Besides the filter frame 326, FIG. 9G also shows the airbox exit flange328. The flange 328 is in-line with the throttle body 300 and intakemanifold 302, as discussed above.

Some aspects of the positioning of radiator 170 were shown and discussedabove. FIGS. 10A-C further clarify the arrangement at the front of thevehicle 10. As noted above, the radiator 170 is positioned laterallybetween the right and left headlights 64. Longitudinally, the radiator170 is positioned between the bumper bars 114 and the front bars 110.Vertically, the radiator 170 is positioned between the winch 62 and thetops of the bumper bars 114 about even with the tops of the headlights64. An oil cooler 330 is positioned adjacent an upper front face of theradiator 170. A fan 332 is positioned adjacent the rear face of theradiator 170 to pull air through the radiator when needed for additionalcooling.

Details of a fuel tank 334 will now be described in connection withFIGS. 11A through 11C. The fuel tank 334 is positioned beneath andbehind the passenger seat 16. It is nested into the undercarriage frame118 of the chassis mid portion 106. The fuel tank 334 includes a fuelduct 336 and a fuel cap 338. The fuel duct 336 extends upwardly andoutwardly from the rear portion of the tank 334 to a terminus at thefuel fill recess 168 of the right side panel 54. The cap 338 issecurable to the end of the duct 336. As shown in FIG. 11A, the fueltank 334 is held down by seat support frame 132. Removal of seat supportframe 132 is necessary to remove the fuel tank 334. The rearward end offuel tank 334 extends upwardly to provide additional volume rearward ofthe lower portion of the passenger seat 16. As shown in FIG. 11C,recesses 339 along the lower edges of the fuel tank 334 allow the tankto nest within the undercarriage frame 118, including lower rail 120.Thus, the tank is securely held between undercarriage frame 118 and seatsupport frame 132.

FIG. 11B illustrates the positioning of a fuel pump 340 in an upper-most portion of the rear of the tank 334. A fuel coupling 342 is alsopositioned adjacent the pump 340.

The front left corner of fuel tank 334 is includes a large recess toreceive the vehicle battery. A battery tray 344 is secured to theundercarriage frame 118 to hold the bottom of the battery.

The positioning of the fuel tank and the battery under the passengerseat 16 of the vehicle 10 somewhat balances the right to left weight ofthe vehicle, especially if a passenger is not riding along. Thispositioning also maintains a low center of gravity with these relativelyheavy components—fuel and battery—being at the bottom of the vehicle.

Overall, the center of gravity of the vehicle is kept longitudinally andvertically near the hip or lower spine of the driver. The center of massof the driver is preferably longitudinally between the center of thewheelbase and the center of mass of the vehicle 10. Vertically, thepreferred clearance of the center of the vehicle is approximately 10inches above the ground. The seat index point (“SIP”) of the driver isapproximately 14 inches above the underside of the chassis mid portion106. Thus, the occupants feel like they are riding “down in” the vehiclein a low, stabile location. This positioning aids in controlling thevehicle as the occupants are not jostled about as the vehicle 10 isdriven over rough terrain. Yet the visibility of the occupants is stilladequate.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustratedand described, as noted above, many changes can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, thescope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferredembodiments. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely byreference to the claims that follow.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. An off-road vehiclecomprising: a frame, a roll cage, and a passenger area; at least oneseat located within the passenger area; an engine, the engine positionedrearwardly of the passenger area; a continuously variable transmissionoperatively connected to the engine; a front axle and a rear axle, thefront and rear axles being operatively coupled to the engine via thecontinuously variable transmission, wherein the front axle is positionedforwardly of the passenger area and the rear axle is positionedrearwardly of the passenger area; a radiator positioned rearwardly ofthe at least one seat, wherein at least a portion of the radiator isabove at least a portion of the continuously variable transmission andwherein the radiator is tilted such that a top of the radiator ispositioned forwardly of a bottom of the radiator; and a side panel thatextends forward of the rear axle and rearward of the at least one seat,the side panel having an air inlet opening.
 2. The off-road vehicle ofclaim 1, wherein the at least a portion of the radiator is positionedabove at least a portion of the engine.
 3. The off-road vehicle of claim1, further comprising one or more air intake ducts that pass air fromthe air inlet opening to one or more of the continuously variabletransmission or an airbox that provides air to the engine.
 4. Theoff-road vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a cargo-carryingportion, at least a portion of the cargo carrying portion positionedabove the bottom of the radiator.
 5. The off-road vehicle of claim 4,wherein the at least one seat has a seatback; a portion of the seatbackextending above the top of the radiator and a portion of the seatbackextending below the bottom of the radiator.
 6. The off-road vehicle ofclaim 5, wherein a portion of the engine extends in front of a front ofthe radiator.
 7. The off-road vehicle of claim 6, further comprisingdoors.
 8. The off-road vehicle of claim 7, wherein the cargo-carryingportion is a cargo bed and the cargo bed is positioned rearwardly of thepassenger area.
 9. The off-road vehicle of claim 8, wherein the framecomprises a longitudinal frame member extending rearwardly of thepassenger area, a top of the radiator being above the top of the framemember and the bottom of the radiator being below a bottom of the framemember.
 10. The off-road vehicle of claim 9, having a weightdistribution of between 35% to 45% front and 55% to 65% rear.
 11. Theoff-road vehicle of claim 9, wherein the vehicle has a center of gravityand the passenger has a center of gravity when seated in the vehicle,the center of gravity of the vehicle being above the center of gravityof the passenger when seated in the vehicle.
 12. The off-road vehicle ofclaim 9, wherein the vehicle has a center of gravity and the passengerhas a center of gravity when seated in the vehicle, the center ofgravity of the vehicle being below the center of gravity of thepassenger when seated in the vehicle.
 13. The off-road vehicle of claim1, wherein the air inlet opening is positioned forward of the rear axleand rearward of the at least one seat.
 14. An off-road vehiclecomprising: a frame and a passenger area, the passenger area having atleast one seat with a seat back and a seat bottom; an engine positionedrearwardly of the passenger area; a continuously variable transmissionoperatively connected to the engine on a side thereof; a front axle anda rear axle, the front and rear axles being operatively coupled to theengine via the continuously variable transmission, wherein the frontaxle is positioned forwardly of the passenger area and the rear axle ispositioned rearwardly of the passenger area; a radiator positionedrearwardly of the at least one seat and directly above at least aportion of the engine, the radiator being angled to direct air towardsthe engine, wherein the radiator is positioned above a center of gravityof the vehicle and behind a longitudinal center of the vehicle, andwherein the seat bottom is positioned below a center of gravity of thevehicle; an air inlet opening positioned forwardly of the rear axle andrearwardly of the at least one passenger seat; and a transmissionsecured rearwardly of the passenger area, a forward end of thetransmission being secured to a rearward end of the engine.
 15. Theoff-road vehicle of claim 14, wherein the frame includes a frame memberextending rearwardly from adjacent the seat back, the radiator having aportion above and a portion below said frame member.
 16. The off-roadvehicle of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the air inlet openingis positioned above the seat bottom.
 17. The off-road vehicle of claim14, further comprising one or more air intake ducts that pass air to oneor more of the continuously variable transmission or an airbox thatprovides air to the engine.
 18. The off-road vehicle of claim 14,further comprising a plurality of body panels secured to the frame,wherein the frame includes frame members of rectangular cross sectionand frame members of generally circular or oval cross section, the bodypanels covering most of the frame members of rectangular cross sectionand leaving exposed a plurality of the frame members of generallycircular or oval cross section.
 19. The off-road vehicle of claim 14,wherein the seat bottom has an upwardly facing lower seating surfaceupon which an occupant rests, a vertical distance between a lowestportion of the lower seating surface and a middle portion of the framebeing less than a ground clearance of the middle portion of the framewhen the off-road vehicle is not loaded, the ground clearance beingdefined as a distance from an underside of the middle portion of theframe to ground.
 20. The off-road vehicle of claim 14, furthercomprising a rear suspension, a rear sway bar, and rear wheels, the rearsuspension coupled between a rearward portion of the frame and the rearwheels, the rear suspension including right and left suspension arms andright and left shock absorbers, the rear sway bar coupled between theright and left suspension arms, the sway bar extending rearwardly fromthe suspension arms and mounted to a rearward-most end of the rearwardportion of the frame with mounts, the mounts being rearward of the shockabsorbers.
 21. The off-road vehicle of claim 14, further comprising adoor and a grab bar on an opposite side of the at least one seat fromthe door, the door having a grab handle.
 22. The off-road vehicle ofclaim 14, further comprising cup holder and a footrest that is forwardof the at least one seat, the foot rest angling up from a floorboard ofthe off-road vehicle, the footrest and the cup holder being integrallymolded with the floorboard.
 23. The off-road vehicle of claim 14,further comprising a floorboard forward of the at least one seat athrottle pedal forward of the at least one seat, the floorboardincluding an integrally molded passenger footrest, the floorboardincludes a raised heel step between the driver seat and the throttlepedal.
 24. The off-road vehicle of claim 14, further comprising anengine cover between the at least one seat and the engine and aremovable engine access cover within the engine cover lateral to the atleast one seat.
 25. The off-road vehicle of claim 24, further comprisinga center hump, the seat bottom has a lower seating surface, the engineaccess cover being vertically below the lower seating surface, theengine access cover being between the center hump and the engine cover,and the engine access cover being secured with a tool-less fastener. 26.The off-road vehicle of claim 14, further comprising a first mountingplate and a second mounting plate, the first mounting plate beingfastened to the engine and to the transmission to secure the engine andthe transmission together, the second mounting plate being fasteneddirectly to the transmission and fastened to the first mounting plate.27. The off-road vehicle of claim 14, further comprising at least oneengine mount, at least one transmission mount, an airbox, and a throttlebody, the continuously variable transmission having a drive clutchengaged with the engine and a driven clutch engaged with thetransmission, the continuously variable transmission being not rigidlymounted directly to the frame, the at least one engine mount securingthe engine to the frame, the at least one transmission mount securingthe transmission to the frame, the at least one engine mount and the atleast one transmission mount being vibration isolation members such thatthe engine, transmission, and continuously variable transmission arevibration isolated together relative to the frame, the airbox supplyingengine combustion air, the airbox being mounted to at least one of theengine and the transmission and being vibrationally isolated therewith,the throttle body mounted between the airbox and the engine and beingvibrationally isolated therewith, the airbox including an air outlet,the engine including an air inlet, the airbox air outlet being in linewith the throttle body and the engine air inlet, and a distance from theairbox air outlet and the engine air inlet being less than a distancefrom a front end of the engine to a rear end of the transmission. 28.The off-road vehicle of claim 14, further comprising a transmission, theengine being rigidly secured to the transmission to form an engine andtransmission assembly that is movable through a middle portion of theframe and through a front end of a rear portion of the frame to withinthe rear portion of the frame and that is secured within the rearportion of the frame.
 29. An off-road vehicle comprising: a frame and apassenger area, the passenger area having at least one seat with a seatback and a seat bottom; an engine positioned rearwardly of the passengerarea; a continuously variable transmission operatively connected to theengine on a side thereof; a front axle and a rear axle, the front andrear axles being operatively coupled to the engine via the continuouslyvariable transmission, wherein the front axle is positioned forwardly ofthe passenger area and the rear axle is positioned rearwardly of thepassenger area; a radiator positioned rearwardly of the at least oneseat and directly above at least a portion of the engine, the radiatorbeing angled to direct air towards the engine, wherein the radiator ispositioned above a center of gravity of the vehicle and behind alongitudinal center of the vehicle, and wherein the seat bottom ispositioned below a center of gravity of the vehicle; an air inletopening positioned forwardly of the rear axle and rearwardly of the atleast one passenger seat and an airbox, the engine being secured onvibration isolation mounts, the airbox being secured to the engine, andthe airbox being vibrationally isolated from the chassis with theengine.
 30. The off-road vehicle of claim 29, further comprising leftand right headlights and another radiator, the left and right headlightssecured to a front end of a forward portion of the frame, and the otherradiator secured within the front end of the forward portion of theframe directly between the left and right headlights.
 31. The off-roadvehicle of claim 29, further comprising a fuel tank, the fuel tanksecured by a middle portion of the frame at least partially beneath theat least one seat, wherein the fuel tank extends beneath and behind theseat bottom, the tank having a height that increases behind the seatbottom relative to a portion of the tank directly beneath the seatbottom.